Can people without an appointment go to a donor centre and donate blood?

No. In compliance with the Public Health Agency of Canada’s direction to enable physical distancing, at this time, we can only welcome people with appointments.

Appointments help minimize the number of people in our donor centres at a given time;

Appointments also allow prospective donors to complete a pre-screening questionnaire before they arrive at a donor centre, allowing them to self-defer if necessary in keeping with health and safety recommendations;

We ask all eligible donors to book an appointment online at blood.ca, on the GiveBlood app, or by calling 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283)

If you are awaiting test results for COVID-19, please cancel your appointment until you have confirmation of your results.

If you have questions about your eligibility to donate, please reference our eligibility section or call 1-888-236-6283 and ask to speak to one of our nurses

Why the need for donors
remains strong

IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATE

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is important for all travellers to self-isolate, and refrain from blood donation, for 14 days after any travel outside of Canada as stated by public health authorities. For some travel, a longer deferral is already in place. See the Q & A section below for more information about COVID-19 and donor eligibility. If you are unsure of your own eligibility, please call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283).

Questions and answers: Blood and Plasma Donation

Can I donate blood if I have been ill with COVID-19, or been exposed to it?

We are constantly reviewing our eligibility criteria based on the latest information about the virus and how it is spread. As a result, donors should expect frequent changes. As of March 29, 2020, the following people and their close contacts are not eligible to donate blood for 14 days after the infected person’s recovery:

People who have tested positive for COVID-19;

People who have developed a fever and cough after close contact with someone who has tested positive

People who have developed a fever and cough within 14 days of travel outside Canada

Those who develop a fever and cough after close contact with a symptomatic person who became ill within two weeks of travel outside Canada.

People exposed in the community or at work to those above may also be temporarily ineligible. For more information about eligibility, we ask donors to call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283).

We ask all travellers to self-isolate and refrain from any blood donation for at least 14 days after any travel outside of Canada as stated by public health authorities. That includes travellers returning from the continental U.S., Europe and Antarctica. The deferral period is a minimum of 21 days for travellers returning from other places. Please consult the travel section on our ABCs of eligibility page.

What about walk-ins? Can people without an appointment go to a donor centre and donate blood?

No. In compliance with the Public Health Agency of Canada’s direction to enable physical distancing, at this time, we can only welcome people with appointments.

Appointments help minimize the number of people in our donor centres at a given time;

Appointments also allow prospective donors to complete a pre-screening questionnaire before they arrive at a donor centre, allowing them to self-defer if necessary in keeping with health and safety recommendations;

We ask all eligible donors to book an appointment online at blood.ca, on the GiveBlood app, or by calling 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283)

What enhanced measures are being taken to protect donors, employees and volunteers at our donor centres?

Canadian Blood Services’ protocols for screening donors and cleaning our donor centres have always been extremely robust — respiratory infections are common and we are prepared. However, as information about COVID-19 quickly evolves, we are taking additional measures to enhance our protocols to better protect anyone who comes through our doors.

Enhanced cleaning measures

Canadian Blood Services is adhering to the guidance of subject matter experts, and international, federal and provincial agencies, and have increased the frequency of cleaning within our donor centres. We will continue to ensure that the products we use effectively kill viruses on a variety of surfaces.

The frequency of cleaning has been increased for all equipment and surfaces. Notably, we have enhanced our protocols for high traffic areas and resources — including donor beds, which will now be wiped down after each use, and pamphlets that will be either laminated and cleaned after each use or disposed of after a single use.

Additional wellness protocols

Even though the majority of individuals who may come into our donor centres with mild symptoms will not have COVID-19, donors, employees and volunteers will be prompted before entering our buildings to carefully evaluate whether they are feeling well. Donors will be asked to self-defer and employees and volunteers will be asked not to enter the building if they are symptomatic.

As an additional precaution, healthy individuals who enter our donor centres will be immediately asked to sanitize their hands and practice proper 20-second handwashing, coughing and sneezing etiquette. They will also be reminded to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth and avoid close contact with others who are not feeling well.

Individuals who enter our centres displaying symptoms will be provided with a mask and asked to leave. Additional cleaning and safety measures include:

Enhanced frequency of cleaning of all equipment and surfaces

Active wellness screening before individuals enter the building and at their first point of contact when they enter

Donor beds wiped down after each use

Donor information pamphlet laminated and wiped down after each use (or discarded after each use if lamination isn’t an option)

Donor zip lock bags (that your information and blood bags are put in) are one use

When on donation beds, donors will be at a minimum of 6 feet apart

When sitting on a waiting chair, donors will be at a minimum of 3 feet apart

We continue to assess our cleaning products to ensure they are used in accordance with PHAC recommendations for effectively killing viruses on a variety of surfaces. For example, we currently use Lysol disinfecting wipes or a bleach dilution for cleaning and are advised by a senior expert in microbiology on the proper concentration to kill viruses while ensuring the air is still safe to breathe.

Suspending pre-donation snacks in donor centres:

To further protect the health and safety of all individuals who walk through our doors, effective March 27, we are suspending the use of pre-donation salty snacks in our donor centres and mobile events. This is a responsible step to limit the risk of spread through touching the mouth with fingers directly prior to the donation process. We are implementing the following measures to ensure that donors continue to have a safe donation experience:

Donors will be reminded prior to their donation that they should eat a salty snack in addition to drinking lots of water before their arrival.

During their donation, our team will be asking donors to perform muscle tension exercises to prevent post-donation reactions.

Screening questions:

Effective May 30, 2020, two new questions have been added to our wellness screening for donors, employees, volunteers and contractors.

The availability of COVID-19 testing for the public is increasing. Individuals who work in health care settings are being mandated by their employers to be regularly tested and governments are making testing more readily available. As a result, we know that many more heathy people will be walking through our doors awaiting test results. To limit the risk of excluding healthy donors, staff, volunteers and contractors from entering our facilities, everyone will be asked if they are awaiting test results and only be denied entry if they declare it is due to experiencing symptoms or being part of a tracing investigation due to contact with a person with COVID-19.

As our knowledge of the virus evolves, we are reviewing new symptoms to determine whether they should be added to our screening protocol. A new symptom of COVID-19 — a new loss of taste or smell — has been evaluated by our medical affairs and innovation team and a decision has been made to include it in the list of symptoms that we screen for.

Is COVID-19 transmissible by blood or blood products?

Current evidence and risk modelling suggest that COVID-19 is not transmissible through blood and blood products. This includes plasma protein products, which are pharmaceutical therapies made from plasma — a component of blood. Nonetheless, Canadian Blood Services has strict measures in place to ensure the continued safety of our products and services related to blood, plasma, stem cells, and organs and tissues, and to address the health of our donors. In addition, manufacturers of plasma protein products routinely use added safety steps in their manufacturing process that inactivate or remove viruses.

Are you testing for COVID-19?

No, we are not currently testing for COVID-19. There is no Health Canada or FDA approved test to screen blood for COVID-19, Current evidence and risk modelling suggest that COVID-19 is not transmissible through the transfusion of blood and blood products.

Are there any risks for donors or recipients?

Canadians rely on us to keep the blood system safe and we take this responsibility very seriously.

We have a strong record of responding quickly and effectively to public health issues, as demonstrated in the past with West Nile virus, Chagas, SARS, MERS, Zika and H1N1.

Current evidence and risk modelling suggest that COVID-19 is not transmissible through blood and blood products. This includes plasma protein products, which are pharmaceutical therapies made from plasma — a component of blood.

Nonetheless, Canadian Blood Services has strict measures in place to ensure the continued safety of our products and services related to blood, plasma, stem cells, and organs and tissues, and to address the health of our donors. As we would for flu symptoms or other illnesses, we ask donors to stay at home if they are not feeling well, since only healthy people are eligible to donate blood.

Should I stay home if I’m not feeling well?

As we would for flu symptoms or other illnesses, we ask our donors to stay at home if they are not feeling well, since only healthy people are eligible to donate blood. Potential donors are pre-screened for any signs of sickness when they book the appointment.

There are other ways you can help save lives during this time. You may be eligible to register to donate stem cells and organs and tissues. Financial gifts to Canadian Blood Services also help make a difference for patients by supporting donor recruitment efforts and strengthening our national programs and initiatives for life essentials.

As with any donation if you fall ill between 2 - 14 days after your donation, please contact us at 1-888 2-DONATE

Should I contact Canadian Blood Services if I am investigated by public health as either a case of COVID-19, or a contact of a case of COVID-19?

Yes, we ask Canadians to please contact Canadian Blood Services if they are a blood donor and are investigated by public health as either a case of COVID-19 or a contact of a case of COVID-19.

How are your employees being screened in donor centres?

We are currently following the advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada to ensure, to the best of our ability, that employees who work in our donor centres are healthy. We are taking a number of proactive steps to limit the risk of infection to our donors and staff.

Employees are being asked to monitor their health and not report to work if they are feeling unwell or have come into contact with someone who is diagnosed with COVID-19.

Like donors, employees are subject to two active wellness checkpoints upon entry into donor centres where instructions such as hand sanitizing are mandatory.

Temperature checks are mandatory for all employees, volunteers and contractors. Temperatures are being measured at active wellness checkpoints using infrared thermometers.

Employees have been strongly recommended to use the Public Health Agency of Canada advice to self-isolate for 14 days if returning from international travel. They are not expected to report to work under these circumstances.

As the situation rapidly evolves these provisions are subject to change.

Why have some donor centres been closed, and some mobile collection events cancelled?

In compliance with the Public Health Agency of Canada's direction to enable physical distancing, we are evaluating our mobile and fixed donor sites to make sure they meet this requirement.

Some mobile and fixed donor centres are better able than others to accommodate physical distancing requirements.

To address the immediate needs for blood and platelet collections, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we must shift capacity in a manner that optimizes our collection network.

Many fixed donor centres will see expanded hours for donors, while we temporarily suspend collection at others.

We are notifying donors of donation events that have been suspended or moved to a different location.

Our goal is to ensure all donors continue to receive the best possible experience every time they donate. These changes do not impact how hospitals and other health care centres will receive blood and blood products. Canadian patients will continue to receive the blood products they need, where and when they need them.

What additional personal protective equipment measures have you implemented in your donor centres?

We have implemented physical barriers where two metre distancing is not possible. Plexiglass barriers are now in place for most active wellness checks, reception areas and screening booths.

In addition, effective May 4 in collections events, masks are mandatory for everyone — including employees, volunteers, donors and contractors. Gloves are also mandatory for employees and volunteers throughout the donor centre environment.

Face shields are available in collections and non-collections environments where effective physical distancing is not possible.

Why did you cancel my appointment in Manitoba/New Brunswick?

Manitoba and New Brunswick donor centres are no longer accepting donations from anyone who has been out of the province within the past 14 days. This is in compliance with public health orders that anyone from outside the province must self-isolate for 14 days.

We are cancelling appointments for blood donors who donate in Manitoba or New Brunswick but live in a neighbouring province.

Please consider rescheduling your appointment to donate blood for a later date.

I have heard that you’re cancelling appointment for Quebec donors. Is this true?

Some provinces, including Quebec, have restricted non-essential cross-border travel.

Blood donors who cross into other provinces to donate may be turned away at the border, at police discretion.

Affected donors may choose whether to keep or reschedule their appointments.

I’ve been outside my province within the past 14 days. Can I still donate?

Many provinces require people to self-isolate for 14 days after returning from another country, province or territory. These provinces include New Brunswick, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and all three territories.

In accordance with public health guidance, if you have been out of the province within the past 14 days, we ask you to remain home and self-isolate. We are asking donors about recent travel at our active wellness checkpoints, and anyone with a recent travel history will be asked to return home and rebook their appointments for a later date.

Why did you make the decision to make masks mandatory in donor centres?

We are constantly evaluating our practices to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19. This decision is in response to the guidance being provided by a number of public health and government agencies on community practices to restrict the spread of COVID-19.

There have been a number of shifts with regard to local public health reactions to PPE and physical distancing measures, new Public Health Agency of Canada guidance and the continued response to perceived risk. The decision to move to mandatory masks was made out of an abundance of caution and to ensure that employees and donors feel safe and supported and that their concerns have been heard.

During the collection process it is not always possible to maintain the required two metres physical distancing between donors and employees. In these circumstances, wearing masks helps minimize the likelihood of droplet transmission from one individual to another. This only works if all parties wear a mask.

In my province, COVID-19 restrictions are being eased. Did Canadian Blood services consider any provincial exemptions for areas which may not have active COVID-19 infections?

Not at this time. COVID-19 infections are still active in all the regions in which we operate. We will continue to evaluate practices, such as mask wearing, as the pandemic evolves in Canada.

Why are donors being given cloth masks and Canadian Blood Services employees surgical procedure masks?

We recognize that surgical masks are being supplied through a fragile supply chain subject to much uncertainty. We want to ensure that we are doing our part to ensure there is adequate supply for health care workers.

Surgical masks will be restricted to Canadian Blood Services employees and volunteers as they need to wear them to perform their essential tasks on a daily basis. They will also be provided to contractors who cannot maintain a two-metre physical distance as a requirement of their job. Contractors who can maintain physical distancing will be provided with cloth masks.

The cloth masks being provided to donors align with guidance on non-surgical masks in community settings and will still provide a suitable physical barrier to reduce droplet transmission.

Can I take the mask with me?

Yes, we will not re-use cloth masks and you can take them home if you wish. If you do not want the mask, it can be discarded at Canadian Blood Services. Bins will be provided for this.

Can I wear my own mask?

Yes, if your mask adequately covers your mouth and nose, then you may wear your own mask. In fact, we encourage you to do so.

If I find the cloth mask uncomfortable, will you supply me with a surgical mask?

Yes, if you find the cloth mask uncomfortable, then we can provide you with a surgical mask.

I have heard that you are suspending post-donation refreshments. Is that true?

To support our decision to implement mandatory masks for donors, we will be introducing a new system in our refreshment areas effective May 11.

To limit the risk of spreading the virus, we will ask you to sit for five minutes in the refreshment area with your mask on after your donation to rest and to allow collections staff to monitor your wellbeing.

After this rest period, we encourage you to grab a snack and refreshment and take it with you when you leave the donor centre.

Is Canadian Blood Services planning to participate in COVID-19 related clinical trials or research, other than the convalescent plasma clinical trial?

Yes, we will be supplying COVID-19 convalescent plasma for three COVID-19 related clinical trials that have recently been approved by Health Canada: two adult trials, one treating early stage COVID-19 patients and one treating severely-ill COVID-19 patients, as well as a pediatric trial.

We also hope to supply some blood products to researchers through our Blood4Research Program.

Is there a chance that governments might ask Canadian Blood Services to help with performing COVID-19 antibody blood testing on the general public?

To date, we have not received a formal request from federal, provincial or territorial governments to support health-care systems in this way.

However, this request is not outside the realm of possibility, as blood operators around the world have been providing this service due to their familiarity with high-throughput testing.

In addition, we have expertise in seroprevalence studies to evaluate pathogens that could pose a risk to the national blood supply, so we are well-positioned to leverage our expertise in this type of study, if requested.

A seroprevalence study looks at blood samples to determine the level of a pathogen in a population.

Questions and answers: Plasma Protein and Related Products

What about medicines made from plasma? Is COVID-19 transmissible through Plasma Protein Products?

Current evidence and risk modelling suggest that COVID-19 is not transmissible through blood and blood products. This includes plasma protein products, which are pharmaceutical therapies made from plasma — a component of blood. In general, plasma protein products are extremely safe because of the added steps in the manufacturing process that inactivate or remove viruses.

Is Canadian Blood Services involved in the collection of convalescent plasma for a potential treatment for COVID-19?

A. Canadian Blood Services is actively working with Health Canada and researchers, both nationally and internationally, who are looking at convalescent plasma as a potential treatment for COVID-19. Planning for a clinical trial in Canada is underway.

We will contribute by collecting and supplying plasma from fully-recovered COVID-19 patients in Canada.

What is Canadian Blood Services’ role when it comes to plasma protein products?

We are the national blood authority and blood system operator, which includes the collection of plasma for manufacturing into plasma protein products. In addition, Canadian Blood Services is responsible for the procurement and distribution of all plasma protein and related products to hospitals and clinics across Canada, on behalf of the provincial and territorial health systems (excluding Quebec).

We take this responsibility very seriously and we do everything we can to safeguard the activities that fall within our authority. This includes regular collaboration with health-care partners, patient groups and manufacturers to ensure clinicians have access to a safe and reliable national inventory of plasma protein and related products to care for their patients.

The evolving situation with COVID-19 is unprecedented, and Canadian Blood Services is focused on doing our part to help keep patients, families and communities safe.

How are decisions related to plasma protein products and the impact of COVID-19 being made?

While the evolving situation with COVID-19 is unprecedented, pandemic plans are in place and we are prepared to respond appropriately, as needed. Pandemic planning to safeguard the supply of blood and blood products is led by the National Emergency Blood Management Committee, which includes representation from provincial and territorial health systems, the National Advisory Committee on Blood and Blood Products and Canadian Blood Services.

To reduce my risk of exposure, can I send a designate to pick up my prescribed allotment of products from the hospital instead?

It is our understanding that individual health systems and/or hospitals have taken measures, where able, to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

We encourage patients to check with their local hospital or clinic staff to see whether procedures to assign a designate are in place or can be initiated to limit the potential risk of exposure during product pick up.

Can I pick up a larger allotment of the treatment I need to reduce the number of trips to the hospital I have to make to pick up my prescription?

Patients who self-administer plasma protein and related products at home pick up their products from hospitals and clinics as ordered by their doctor. The refill quantity is also determined by their doctor.

To balance the risk of potential exposure while maintaining the security of supply, as directed by the National Emergency Blood Management Committee, Canadian Blood Services will support hospitals and their patients by ensuring that the national inventory of plasma protein and related products will allow for a maximum refill quantity of three months of product for patients who are prescribed home infusion therapies.

Questions and answers: Stem Cells

As with blood and blood products, Canadians rely on us to keep the stem cell program safe and we take this responsibility very seriously.

Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry is a member of the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) – an international network of registries and cord blood banks that share a global database where all potential donors and cord blood units are listed. As cases of COVID-19 continue to emerge across the world, WMDA launched a special COVID-19 webpage that is publicly available and updated regularly when new information is shared by member organizations, professional societies and courier companies.

Canadian Blood Services will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and provide updates as they are received. Our stem cell registry will continue to coordinate searches in Canada, as well as other international registries to help patients get the stem cells they need. Any critical information is being communicated to the corresponding transplant centre and/or registry to ensure that life-saving products are safely transported to patients in need. Our donors will continue to be screened for active infections and travel history.

Also, we have suspended all buccal swabbing events across the country in line with guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada to minimize the amount of time individuals spend in large crowds or in crowded spaces in order to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. It also is consistent with the public health measures being implemented by many of the provinces. We are encouraging the public to register online and get their swab kit delivered in the mail.

If you require assistance regarding activations currently in progress for any of the international registries in countries where COVID-19 cases have been recorded, please reach out to the transplant services coordinator team at cbs.onematch@blood.ca.

We realize this decision may affect many families who had registered to donate their babies’ cord blood at one of our four cord blood collection hospitals across the country. We will resume collections as soon as deemed appropriate.

For patients who might be concerned, Canadian Blood Services’ Cord Blood Bank continues to follow all standards and regulations as per usual, and we are working within the latest recommendations from the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) — an international network of registries and cord blood banks that share a global database where all potential donors and cord blood units are listed.

While the cord blood bank collections have been suspended, the ability to distribute cord blood units for transplant purposes is unaffected. We are continuing to help patients get the stem cells they need.

Is it safe to go to a collection centre for my physical examination and to donate stem cells during the COVID-19 pandemic?

As the organization responsible for the national stem cell registry and cord blood bank outside Quebec, we are determined to keep our promise to help every patient, match every need and serve every Canadian. To do that we require the ongoing generosity and commitment of donors. Patients depend on these lifesaving donations. At the same time, we want to ensure the safety of our donors, employees and volunteers.

Canadian Blood Services is working closely with collection centres as well as with provincial/territorial partners, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada, Héma-Quebec, international blood agencies and the World Health Organization to prepare for and address the COVID-19 situation.

Our collection centres have appropriate physical distancing measures in place and will be taking every precaution to maximize donor safety throughout the donation process. We are always committed to ensuring you have a safe, efficient and rewarding donor experience. All prospective donors are carefully screened for any symptoms of illness, including very mild ones.

What is Canadian Blood Services doing to ensure donor safety?

Donor health and safety is our top priority. We understand that these are worrying times for both donors and patients. Thus, we have put several steps in place to support donors and ensure their safety.

To minimize physical interactions with donors, all donors undergo screening for symptoms of illness over the phone with a case manager at Canadian Blood Services before going to the collection centre – the hospital where the donor will donate their stem cells. Also, collection centres in Canada will be taking every precaution to maximize donor safety throughout the process. This includes physical distancing, staggered appointment times to avoid crowding of waiting areas, appropriate personal protective equipment for the physical exam, blood draws, and apheresis (most centres are using surgical masks for all interactions with patients and donors).

Bone marrow harvests have been postponed at most Canadian collection centres for the time being and will only be considered in exceptional situations if they can be accommodated. All peripheral blood stem cell collections will be done in a single procedure where possible, and without the insertion of central venous catheters – if possible. These measures should minimize exposures and maximize donor safety. Case managers will follow-up with donors only by telephone.

We are encouraging transplant centres to choose donors who live in proximity to collection centres. We are also keeping a list of available hotels for donors who would need accommodation.

In addition to these steps, we have provided FAQs for staff to provide donors with the answers they need. We are also publishing regular updates on blood.ca to provide donors with facts and reassurance.

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing quickly. As the situation evolves, we will continue to make sure that we keep our donors, patients and employees informed of any changes.

What if I change my mind about donating stem cells?

You are free to decline to donate at any point in the process. Your decision will be confidential.

However, it is important to be aware that there is a serious risk of death to the patient if you decide to withdraw after his or her radiation and/or chemotherapy treatment has begun. You will be told in advance exactly when the patient will start this treatment and given every opportunity to decline before that date.

Why did you suspend the swabbing event in XYZ?

In line with the Public Health Agency of Canada’s guidelines on mass gatherings during COVID-19 global outbreak, we suspended all stem cell swabbing events across the country to minimize the amount of time individuals spend in large crowds or in crowded spaces in order to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. It also is consistent with the public health measures being implemented by many of the provinces. We are encouraging the public to register online and get their swab kit delivered in the mail.

Your decision to join our registry is essential to protect our most vulnerable community members. At the same time, we care about the health of our registrants, patients, employees and volunteers. Only healthy people are eligible to donate stem cells.

Canadian Blood Services will continue to evaluate the latest evidence and work closely with provincial/territorial partners, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada, Héma-Quebec, international blood agencies and the World Health Organization to prepare for and address the COVID-19 situation.

Does the COVID-19 pandemic call for increased recruitment of Canadian registrants?

The COVID-19 pandemic has made the logistics of stem cell transplants challenging due to international border closures, travel restrictions and the general health of donors. This means patients and transplant centres are now relying on more potential donors from Canada. We need more healthy Canadians, who are between 17 and 35 years old, to register online and get their swab kit delivered in the mail.

Financial gifts to Canadian Blood Services also help make a difference for patients by supporting donor recruitment efforts and strengthening our national stem cell program and initiatives.

What is the process to register online?

To register online, visit our stem cells page on blood.ca. You will be asked to read through the stem cell registration information before completing a quick knowledge test to ensure you have a basic understanding of stem cell donation.

Next, you’ll create a personal profile on blood.ca, complete the health screening questionnaire, and accept the Notice to Registrants and Consent to Participate. At that point, we’ll mail you a buccal swab kit to collect cell samples from your mouth. Once you receive your buccal swab kit, swab the inside of your cheek and mail it back. After we process your kit and obtain your HLA typing, you will be fully registered. You will be notified when this process is complete and that you are now officially on the registry.

We may be in touch by phone if we have questions about your health screening questionnaire or your registration information. Please note that your final eligibility rests with our staff.

Does it cost me anything to register online?

No. Registration is free, and you won’t be charged for any part of the testing or donation process.

Where can I find more information?

More information on the novel coronavirus can be found at the links below:

Questions and answers: Organs and Tissues

At this time, all living organ and tissue donors with known or highly suspected active COVID-19 will be deferred. Living donor donations will be postponed for 3 months after resolution of clinical symptoms of infection.

Can organs of deceased donors be transplanted if the donor contracted COVID-19 before their death?

At this time, all organ and tissues from deceased donors with known or highly suspected cases of COVID-19 will not be eligible for transplant.

Will COVID-19 affect deceased organ donation and transplantation? Will donations go ahead? Will coronavirus affect transplants? Will patients lose out on transplants?

Canadian Blood Services is working closely with the OTDT community, our national advisory committees, the Canadian Society of Transplantation, and other stakeholders to closely monitor the situation. Because the situation is rapidly evolving and is unique in each jurisdiction, please contact your provincial or territorial organ and tissue program for details.

Is deceased donation and transplantation safe during the pandemic?

A transplant can save a life, but it also weakens the immune system, which makes someone more likely to get sick from viruses. All organ donors are being tested for COVID-19, but the virus spreads easily. That’s why transplant teams across Canada are determining how best to proceed for the health of their patients. Talk to your transplant team if you have more questions.

I have heard that the Kidney Paired Donation program is no longer operating. Is that true?

The Kidney Paired Donation program was temporarily paused in response to COVID-19 to ensure the safety of transplant candidates and living donors, but we’re happy to share that our team is now starting to work with the living donation and transplant programs across the country to resume safely matching donor and patient pairs to help enable more kidney transplants in Canada.

Why have Kidney Paired Donation surgeries been postponed?

The decision to postpone these surgeries was based on the following:

the potential risk of COVID-19 exposure for donors who would need to travel to donate;

the potential risk of COVID-19 exposure to transplant recipients;

the likelihood that surgeries, even if planned, will not go forward during the COVID-19 pandemic. The KPD program relies on multiple hospitals to facilitate multiple transplantations and all of the surgeries must be completed within a specific timeframe. If one hospital postpones one of the surgeries in a specific chain of matched donors and patients, it prevents all remaining surgeries from going forward.

How long will Kidney Paired Donation surgeries be postponed?

It may take some time to safely resume the KPD program back to its full capacity. The reality is not all hospitals will be ready to resume all surgeries at the same time. Every effort is underway to resume the KPD program in a safe way for transplant candidates, which may take some time.

Has the Highly Sensitized Patient program been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?

The Highly Sensitized Patient (HSP) program continues to operate.

Individual programs determine if an offer from the registry can be accepted based on their hospital’s policies and processes for deceased donor organ transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is there a risk of COVID-19 being passed on through organ donation?

So far there are no reported cases of someone getting COVID-19 from a transplant; however, there is still a lot that is unknown about how the virus spreads. Potential organ donors are tested for COVID-19 and if they test positive they will not be able to donate.

Are transplant candidates at risk from COVID-19?

Canadian Blood Services is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the OTDT community, our national advisory committees, the Canadian Society of Transplantation, and other stakeholders. Because the situation is rapidly evolving and unique in each jurisdiction, please contact your provincial organ and tissue program for details.

I’m disappointed that my loved one won’t be able to donate.

We truly sympathize with donors and transplant candidates who may be affected by this situation. We believe in the powerful impact of organ donation and would like to reassure you that decisions by health care practitioners to delay organ donation and transplantation are not taken lightly.

Organ donation and transplantation is an essential life-saving and life-preserving medical intervention. However, transplant recipients are, or are likely to become, immunocompromised and may be at increased risk of more severe outcomes related to COVID-19.

The decision to go forward with deceased donation and transplantation must balance the risk the virus poses to potential recipients and the risks of suspending or delaying transplantation. It will also depend on the prevalence of COVID-19 in a particular area, individual hospital capacity, and other safety and resource considerations.

Because the situation is rapidly evolving and unique in each jurisdiction, please contact your provincial organ and tissue program for details.

What is Canadian Blood Services doing to support the OTDT community during the COVID-19 pandemic?

We are working closely with the OTDT community, our national advisory committees, the Canadian Society of Transplantation, and other stakeholders to closely monitor the situation, to develop and share resources to support the system, and to facilitate communication and knowledge-sharing among provinces and internationally.

We are working tirelessly with organ donation partners both at home and abroad to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and offer the best possible outcome for Canadians during these challenging times.

The current outbreak is unpredictable. If widespread community transmission occurs, healthcare infrastructure and capacity issues may have further impact on organ donation and transplantation.

Has eye or tissue donation and transplant been impacted by the pandemic?

In response to COVID-19 many hospitals have cancelled elective surgeries, resulting in a reduced demand for tissue. The decision to go forward with deceased tissue donation will depend on the prevalence of COVID-19 in a particular area, individual hospital capacity, and other safety and resource considerations. Measures are in place to ensure patients who need tissue grafts for emergency surgery will receive it.

Why should I register to be an organ and tissue donor now?

Registering to be an organ and tissue donor gives hope to those waiting for an organ transplant or for life-enhancing tissue. It means you are deciding to help someone in need if and when you have the opportunity to donate in the future.

Is living donation and transplantation safe during the pandemic?

Organ donation and transplantation is an essential life-saving and life-preserving medical intervention. However, both living donors and transplant recipients are, or are likely to become, immunocompromised and may be at an increased risk of more severe outcomes related to COVID-19.

Except in the case of urgent medical need, living donor transplants are generally considered to be safe to delay if it is in the best interest of the donor and transplant candidate.

However, all living donor kidney transplant programs in Canada are postponing living donor transplants for a minimum of six weeks (effective March 16) on a case-by-case basis until this issue has resolved.

I’m a living donor. I am prepared to take the risk to save a life?

Organ donation and transplantation is an essential life-saving and life-preserving medical intervention. However, both living donors and transplant recipients are, or are likely to become, immunocompromised and may be at an increased risk of more severe outcomes related to COVID-19.

Except in the case of an urgent medical need, living donor transplants are generally safe to delay if it is in the best interest of the donors and patients.

All living donor kidney transplant programs in Canada are postponing living donor transplants for a minimum of six weeks on a case-by-case basis until this issue has resolved.

Because the situation is rapidly evolving and unique in each jurisdiction, please contact your provincial organ and tissue program for details.

I’m on a waitlist, will I still get a transplant?

During COVID-19, Canada’s transplant programs are reviewing cases individually and will determine whether it is safe to proceed with transplantation. After having a transplant your immune system is weak, making you more likely to get sick. Your transplant physician can advise on whether a transplant is appropriate for you during the pandemic.

Will patients lose their place on the waitlist if delays or cancellations continue?

When the pandemic is under control and transplantation returns to normal, patients will keep their place on the waitlist. Until that time, transplant programs will have to weigh the risks and benefits of who can safely be transplanted when an organ becomes available.

What steps can I take to ensure my safety? To protect myself?

Transplant recipients are immunocompromised and may be at increased risk of more severe outcomes related to COVID-19. For this reason, it is important to take precautions to prevent infection. We recommend patients contact their transplant program or their local public health office for advice. Public Health Agency of Canada also provides guidance on how high-risk people can stay safe: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/people-high-risk-for-severe-illness-covid-19.html

Questions and answers: Other ways to donate

Are there any other ways I can help patients during the COVID-19 pandemic?

There are many ways to donate and help patients. You can volunteer your time at a donor clinic or make a one-time or recurring financial donation. Financial gifts to Canadian Blood Services help make a difference for patients by supporting donor recruitment efforts and strengthening our national programs and initiatives for blood, stem cells, and organs and tissues. Financial gifts also help fuel research and drive world-class innovation in blood transfusion and transplantation medicine. Learn more at give.blood.ca.

I was in the process of planning a fundraising event in support of Canadian Blood Services – should I cancel my event?

Given recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Canada to cancel or postpone in-person gatherings in alignment with the recommendations of your local public health authorities, we understand that you may decide to postpone your upcoming event to a later date.

If you are a fundraising event organizer and have questions or require guidance related to postponing your upcoming event — or, if you wish to shift your fundraising event to an online/virtual campaign — please reach out to our philanthropy department by phone (613-739-2339) or email (philanthropy@blood.ca).

A message from our CEO, Dr. Graham Sher, thanking the generous donors who are supporting us in these challenging times, and a reminder that your donations will still be needed in the weeks ahead.

Our commitment to safety

Canada’s blood supply is recognized as one of the safest in the world. Safety is paramount in everything we do, because lives depend on it.

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Canadian Blood Services acknowledges the funding of provincial, territorial and federal governments. The views expressed in this document are those of
Canadian Blood Services and do not necessarily reflect those of governments.